394Hosea 6:1-3CM
COME, let us to the Lord our God
   With contrite hearts return;
Our God is gracious, nor will leave
    The desolate to mourn.
 
2  His voice commands the tempest forth,
    And stills the stormy wave;
And, though His arm be strong to smite
    ’Tis also strong to save.
 
3  Long has the night of sorrow reigned;
    The dawn shall bring us light;
God shall appear, and we shall rise
    With gladness in His sight.
 
4  Our hearts, if God we seek to know,
    Shall know Him, and rejoice;
His coming like the morn shall be,
    Like morning songs His voice.
 
5  As dew upon the tender herb,
    Diffusing fragrance round;
As showers that usher in the spring,
    And cheer the thirsty ground . . .
 
6  So shall His presence bless our souls,
    And shed a joyful light;
That hallowed morn shall chase away
    The sorrows of the night.
 
John Morison, 1749-98